A cabaret dinner turns Rome into a stage. This night at Ellington Club is built around your reserved table, a three-course meal, and the Verissima show mixing classic songs, Broadway flavor, and playful cabaret energy. The format keeps moving: sung numbers, short comic bits, and stage moments that feel made for an intimate club setting rather than a distant theater.

I especially love how the show leans into familiar hits. You’ll hear a repertoire of well-known musicals and pop tunes, and the vibe ties together diva classics and Broadway-style storytelling. I also like the way the night mixes entertainment types—music, cabaret, and burlesque—so it feels like one flowing variety show instead of one long act. One thing to consider: the schedule can stretch, with entry starting after 8:00 PM and the performance typically beginning between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM, so plan for a wait.

Key things that make this night worth your time

• Reserved seating at Ellington Club, so you’re not hunting for a good view
• Three-course dinner included (starter, main, dessert), while drinks are extra
• Verissima show format that alternates songs with monologues and comic skits
• Familiar song choices from musicals, Broadway, and pop classics
• Express security check to help you get in faster
• Italian and English host/greeter, plus wheelchair accessibility

A classic cabaret dinner at Ellington Club (Lazio)

If you want Rome after dark that feels slightly retro and very “in the moment,” this is one of those evenings that delivers. Ellington Club is the kind of venue where your table is part of the experience. Instead of watching from far away, you’re sitting close enough to feel the rhythm of the show.

This isn’t a museum-style stop. It’s an evening designed for performance first, dinner and cocktails second. That matters because you’ll enjoy the food more when you treat it as the lead-in to the stage.

The show’s core idea is Italian variety tradition. It blends burlesque-style theatricality with Broadway-style song craft, plus comic interludes that break the pattern so you stay alert.

Price and value: what $65 really buys you

At around $65 per person, you’re paying for a bundled experience: entry ticket, show access, table reservation, and a three-course dinner. That’s a strong value formula if you would otherwise buy a dinner and a separate show ticket.

Where people can feel surprised is the drinks part. Drinks are not included, so your total can rise once you order cocktails or wine. If you want to keep the evening budget-friendly, decide up front what you’re willing to spend on alcohol and stick to it.

Also, take the dinner-and-show bundle seriously. You’re not just paying for entertainment—you’re paying for reserved seating plus meals served before the stage program hits full tempo.

Timing in Rome: enter after 8, show around 9:30 to 10

Here’s the rhythm you should build your night around. Club entry is allowed from 8:00 PM onward. The show then starts at an hour between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM.

That timing creates two different experiences depending on when you arrive. If you show up right at opening, you’ll have time for dinner without stressing. If you arrive later, you may rush through ordering food and drinks, and you might feel the evening compress.

One practical tip: since the show start window includes 10:00 PM, don’t plan to catch a late bus immediately after. Build in slack, especially if you’re not staying nearby.

Dinner and the show: how the evening actually flows

You’ll sit at your reserved table and order food and drink. The menu structure is straightforward: a starter, a main course, and a dessert are included. Drinks are ordered separately, so your server will help you with that as the night goes on.

What makes this meal part of the fun is that it’s not meant to compete with the show. The dinner works as your pre-game, and then the stage takes over as the night builds. If you’re hungry when you arrive, start with the starter and settle in. If you’re more interested in the performance, you can move through dinner at a comfortable pace so you’re not waiting too long when the lights shift.

One note from the real-world experience: dinner can run in the earlier evening window, and the show can start closer to 10:00. So if you’re the type who hates waiting, plan something low-key before or around the club so your evening feels intentional, not stranded.

The Verissima show: songs, comedy, and burlesque flair

The show is called Verissima, and it’s built as Italian cabaret in a retro frame. You can think of it as a polished variety evening where the energy changes often enough to keep you watching.

The performance format alternates between sung musical pieces and short segments that include small monologues and comic skits. Those comedic moments aren’t random filler. They help reset the mood so you’re ready for the next round of music.

The song list leans on recognition. Expect remixes of famous classics from acclaimed divas and nods to Broadway musicals. There’s also pop in the mix, so even if you don’t know every historical reference, you’ll still catch the vibe.

Costumes are a big deal here. The point isn’t subtlety—it’s theatrical color and stage presence. If you like costume changes, bold styling, and that old-school cabaret feeling, you’ll notice and enjoy it.

What you’ll understand fast once you’re seated

The club setup is part of the charm. Your reservation means you can settle without scrambling for the best angle. That’s a small thing, but in a cabaret venue it matters. You’re meant to watch the performers and also read the room.

You’ll also see why the show alternates music and comedy. Longer continuous music can become fatiguing in a seated restaurant setting. The comic breaks act like punctuation. You get back to the singing with fresh attention.

And because the show is in Italian and English-speaking hospitality, you won’t be completely lost. The host/greeter is Italian and English, which can make the pre-show and ordering side easier, even if the main banter on stage is mostly performance-driven.

Drinks, budgeting, and what to order without guessing

Since drinks are not included, you’ll want a simple approach. Go in knowing you’ll pay for beverages at the club. If you want one cocktail and you’re done, that’s easy to handle. If you’re hoping for a full drink package, it’s better to plan for a higher total.

Food-wise, you should expect a proper sit-down meal with all three courses included. Based on real reactions from people who enjoyed the evening, the dinner quality lands as a plus, not an afterthought. That’s another reason it can feel like good value: you’re not eating a token snack before a show.

If you’re ordering, keep one practical mindset: staff language can vary. English support is listed, but the experience of clear communication can depend on who is working your table that night. If you don’t speak Italian, use a translation app or keep your drink preferences simple.

Finding the entrance: meeting point and first-minute tips

Your meeting point is outside the main entrance, marked by a sigh in the pickup note. It’s worth arriving a few minutes early so you can find it without stress and get through the first steps calmly.

Once you’re there, you’ll go through an express security check. That’s one of the time-savers built into the experience. For a night show with a fixed start window, reducing friction on the way in is genuinely helpful.

Also, enter after 8:00 PM, not before. If you arrive too early, you may just be waiting outside. A calm arrival makes the whole evening feel smoother.

Getting around late: the real-world transport factor

Rome nights can be tricky. Some venues sit a bit away from the easiest late routes, and late public transport can be less forgiving than you expect. One thing you should do: check your return plan before the show begins.

If you’re relying on buses or trains that run less frequently at night, give yourself a buffer to leave. Late shows can run long, and you don’t want to be stuck sprinting while the club is wrapping up.

If you’re staying central and have a short ride back, this matters less. If you’re farther out, it’s a bigger deal—plan around it.

Who should book this cabaret dinner show (and who shouldn’t)

This experience is best for you if you want a fun, theatrical night that mixes music, comedy, and cabaret-style performance in one sitting. It’s a great date-night option. It’s also a strong choice if you’ve never seen a burlesque-style cabaret show and want an approachable introduction.

It may not fit you if you’re expecting a strict, single-theme burlesque performance only. The show is variety-first, meaning you’ll see multiple entertainment styles in one program. That’s exactly why some people love it. It’s also why others feel it’s not what they expected.

Kids should note the guidance: it’s not suitable for children under 6. If you’re traveling with younger kids, you’ll need a different evening plan.

A balanced take: best moments and the friction points you can avoid

Let’s talk honestly about the tradeoffs.

The best parts tend to be consistent: the food and the show often land as highlights, and the performances bring energy. If you love theatrical costumes and recognizable music choices, you’ll likely have a smile during the whole night.

The main friction points are usually practical:

• Waiting: entry starts at 8:00 PM, but the show begins between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM. That gap can feel long if you don’t plan your time.
• Location and transport: depending on where you’re staying, getting there and leaving at the right time can be a puzzle at night.
• Communication: while English support is part of the experience, the ability to communicate smoothly at your table can depend on staff that night.

How do you reduce these issues? Arrive close to 8:00 PM, keep dinner pacing steady, and don’t schedule your transport to the minute. If you’re strict about bedtime or last-bus timing, this might be a stressful choice.

Also, if you’re the type who hates uncertainty, keep an eye on show-day updates. One unfortunate case reported a cancellation without notice. That’s rare, but it’s enough of a reminder to not plan anything critical immediately after you expect the show to end.

Should you book this Rome cabaret dinner show?

I think you should book it if you want an evening that feels like Rome does nights: theatrical, musical, and social, with a proper dinner and reserved seating baked in. The bundle value is real when you account for entry, the show, and all three courses.

I’d hesitate if your priority is a very specific type of burlesque performance with zero variety shifts, or if you’re traveling with tight logistics for late transport. In that case, you can still have fun, but the timing and venue practicality can turn into stress.

If you do book: treat it like an evening out. Arrive at opening time, order drinks intentionally, and plan your return with a buffer. That’s how you turn the waiting window into part of the experience instead of a problem.

FAQ

How much does the Rome cabaret dinner show cost?

It’s priced at about $65 per person.

How long is the experience?

The duration is listed as 2 hours.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Your ticket includes entry, the show, table reservation, and a three-course dinner (starter, main course, dessert).

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included, and you order them at your own expense.

What time can you enter the club?

Club entry is allowed from 8:00 PM onward.

When does the show start?

The show begins at an hour between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet outside the main entrance by the sigh noted at the meetup point.

Is it accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, the experience is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What if plans change?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s also a reserve now & pay later option.